Cheese and Bacon Cob Loaf (Printer-Friendly Version)

Warm cob loaf packed with creamy cheese and bacon, served with crunchy toasted bread for dipping.

# What You'll Need:

→ For the Dip

01 - 1 round cob loaf, approximately 9 to 10 inches in diameter
02 - 8 ounces cream cheese, block style, at room temperature
03 - 1 cup full-fat sour cream
04 - 8 ounces bacon, chopped
05 - 1 1/2 cups shredded pizza cheese blend (mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan)
06 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
07 - 1 packet (about 1.5 ounces) French onion soup mix
08 - 3 ounces ripe brie cheese, rind removed and cubed (optional)

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Slice approximately 3/4 inch off the top of the cob loaf and reserve as a lid. Carefully remove interior bread, breaking it into bite-sized chunks. Arrange bread pieces and lid on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Toast in a preheated oven at 230°F for 5 to 10 minutes, or until golden and just crisp.
02 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté chopped bacon and diced onion for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until bacon is lightly caramelized and onions are softened. Do not let bacon burn.
03 - Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese and sour cream directly to the pan with bacon and onion. Stir continuously until mixture is smooth and combined. Add the French onion soup mix, 1 1/4 cups pizza cheese, and brie cheese if using. Continue stirring gently for about 2 minutes, until all cheese is melted and mixture is thoroughly heated.
04 - Increase oven temperature to 400°F. Place the bread shell upright on the baking sheet. Spoon warm cheese and bacon filling into the hollowed shell. Sprinkle reserved 1/4 cup pizza cheese blend on top. Bake for 10 minutes, or until top is bubbly and golden.
05 - Let loaf cool for 5 minutes to allow the crust to set. Place on serving platter surrounded by toasted bread pieces and cob lid. Serve hot and encourage guests to dip crisp bread into the gooey center.

# Additional Tips:

01 - Allow the loaf shell to cool slightly before filling to prevent sogginess and achieve a crisp crust.
02 - Block-style cream cheese delivers optimal melt and texture in the finished dip.
03 - Cob loaf dip is an Australian party classic, enjoyed warm with family and friends.
04 - Leftovers can be wrapped in foil and refrigerated. Reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes to re-crisp the crust.

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